Scam Alert: The High Cost of "Free" Vacations

​Your partner is late getting home for dinner. The kids are whining. The pets are underfoot. Wouldn’t you like to get away from it all? That phone call offering a free or discounted cruise sounds so enticing that, against your better judgement, you provide personal details “to guarantee the reservation” and agree to pay a “nominal processing and handling fee.” In return, you’ll receive vouchers to redeem for your trip. But when (or if) the vouchers arrive, you discover that they’re actually worthless. And there’s no way to get a refund.

​According to the Federal Trade Commission, scammers are using the phone, email, social media, and print ads to promise supposedly free or low-cost vacations. Instead, they take your money on a quick trip to their pockets. Some of these offers may include undisclosed fees, and many are simply bogus. Here’s how to spot a likely travel scam:

• They won’t provide specifics.
• They ask for a credit card number to “verify your identity.”
• You are required to pay some fees for your “free vacation.”
• You’re pressured to sign up for a travel club for great deals on future vacations.
• You’re required to attend a live presentation before receiving travel vouchers.

​Here are some ways to protect yourself from travel scams:

1. Check out the company: Make sure that you are dealing with a genuine travel agency or company before buying anything. You can do an online search for their accreditation or search the company name for any complaints against them.
2. Comparison shop: Before committing, look for similar travel deals offered through travel agencies and websites you know are legit. You may find that supposed “deal of a lifetime” is available for less money elsewhere.
3. Get everything in writing: If they won’t provide a complete, written description of the offer, including all terms and conditions, just say no.
4. Check for date restrictions: You may find the dates are so restrictive you can’t schedule a holiday, so you would end up losing any deposit on the package.
5. Pay by credit card: The FTC recommends paying by credit card so that you can dispute charges if there’s a problem. Never send payment through a wire transfer service, by courier, cashier’s check, or by overnight mail.

​And here’s a bonus tip for a happy vacation: Researchers recently discovered that hackers could alter hotels’ electronic lock systems to get access to any room. So, while you’re out recreating, keep valuables such as jewelry, electronics, or your passport safe with you or secure in a hotel safe.